Juan Guillermo Cuadrado will be key for injury-hit Colombia in unlocking Greece’s defence

Bruised but with hopes still running high, Colombia will lift the curtain on Group C tonight in Belo Horizonte confident that their impressive array of creative talents will be too much to see off the stodgy challenge of Greece’s all-conquering defence.

Shorn of talismanic striker Falcao and three other stars who played important roles in Colombia’s impressive qualifying campaign, coach Jose Pekerman has had his work cut out over recent days to inject new life into the South American nation’s injury-plagued World Cup charge.

Replacing one of the world’s most lethal marksmen hasn’t been easy however.

Monaco striker Falcao scored a third of Colombia’s goals on the road to Brazil and has been a revelation for his country since Argentine manager Pekerman took over in 2012.

But there is life after El Tigre and with the likes of James Rodriguez, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and Carlos Bacca, Colombia have an intoxicating blend of firepower and creativity that will be the envy of most other countries at the World Cup this summer.

Cuadrado in particular will be a key force for the South Americans in their World Cup opener against Greece.

He comes off an exceptional season with Fiorentina where he scored 11 goals in Serie A and was one of the most exhilarating and unpredictable wingers seen across Europe last year.

His trickery and blistering pace will be a constant nightmare for the Greek backline, particularly if Cuadrado’s opposite number is Jose Holebas, a forward turned left back who is far more comfortable going forward than tidying up at the back.

With Greece’s obvious strengths lying in defence, their manager Fernando Santos will get his side to sit deep and let Colombia come at them. They will stifle the game and hope Pekerman’s men become frustrated.

But it’s a dangerous tactic considering Colombia are far more comfortable in control of the ball than being pushed onto the back foot. Furthermore, it’s not just Cuadrado Greece should fear.

With James pulling the strings from the left wing and drifting inside, Colombia have one of the potential stars of the tournament within their ranks.

His eye for the decisive pass will be the spur for Falcao replacement Bacca to reproduce some of his scintillating goal-scoring form at club side Sevilla for country.

Even if Colombia are struggling for ideas, from the bench the wonderfully unpredictable Victor Ibarbo and FC Porto’s highly rated playmaker Juan Fernando Quintero, have the ability to turn a game on its head and overwhelm the former European champions. Colombia are clearly not lacking anyone to provide them with attacking impetus.

What’s more they have done it before. In qualification Colombia also faced and overcame stubborn defences by steamrolling their way to victory.

Against Greece and even without Falcao they have the attacking talents to do the same.